CERVICOGENIC HEADACHE TREATMENT IN PLANO

Though a cervicogenic headache will eventually produce pain in the skull area, it begins with neck pain. Different conditions based in the neck area can cause this type of headache, such as:

• A prolapsed disc in the neck
• Trauma in the neck area, such as a sports injury
• Osteoarthiritis
• A pinched nerve in or near the neck
• More often than not, poor posture causes headaches and neck pain.

For instance, if you are someone who sits at a desk for most of the day, or someone who drives for long periods of time like a mailman or a diesel driver, you may unconsciously push your chin forward, holding your head in front of your body. This position is called cervical protraction, and it places the weight of your entire skull solely on your neck. Sitting or standing like this for long periods of time can place too much strain on the muscles in your neck, causing uncomfortable neck pain, and eventually a cervicogenic headache.

Falling asleep in an awkward position, like with your head to one side, can have the same effect. This can happen if you fall asleep in a chair, or while sitting up in bed.

• Pain around the eyes-Cervicogenic headaches can also often mimic the symptoms of a migraine, such as light sensitivity, noise sensitivity, or blurry vision.
• Pain originating at the back of the neck and radiating along the forehead
• Pain along the shoulder
• Reduced flexibility of the neck
• Swollen eyes
• Blurred vision
• Pain while coughing or sneezing
• Pain Radiating to Other Areas of the Body
• Nausea
• Light Sensitivity
• Pain on one side of the head or face
• Dizziness
• Chronic Headache

If left untreated, cervicogenic headaches can become recurrent, and rapidly grow to debilitating levels. But there are multiple techniques to manage the symptoms, as well as preventative measures you can take to stave off future cervicogenic headaches.

To confirm that your headache is cervicogenic in nature, a doctor may apply pressure to various points on your neck. Your doctor may also move your head into various positions to determine which if any particular movement provokes neck pain and a headache. If pressure on the neck or any one position of the neck provokes a headache, this means that the headache is cervicogenic.

Cervicogenic (CGH) pain often starts in the neck. Patients commonly describe this as a dull ache that may worsen with certain types of postures, similar to a “crick”. CGH pain is also typically worse on one side, but with worsening conditions can move to the other side, as well. This type of pain may lead to neck stiffness and temporarily limits the range of motion.

Headaches without neck pain can also occur with cervicogenic headaches. When this happens, the source may not cause neck pain but will cause the neck to be sore. Sudden head movements or pressure on the back of the neck will still trigger CGH.

Unfortunately, not all cervicogenic headaches can be treated. Cervicogenic headaches that result from osteoarthritis, for instance, can usually only be managed with some of the alternative relaxation therapies listed above, and not treated.

However, there are general preventative measures regarding cervicogenic headaches. For instance:

• Don’t sleep with your head propped up on a pillow
• If you are sleeping in a chair or sleeping upright, use a neck brace to keep your neck straight
• Practice good posture while sitting for any lengthy period of time, like at a desk during the workday or while driving
• Protect your neck and head from collisions while playing contact sports like football and soccer

The outlook for cervicogenic headaches varies greatly, depending on the underlying neck condition. However, by consulting a doctor, it is entirely possible to manage your pain and maintain an active lifestyle.